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Texas home sales, prices rise in 2015-Q3, housing inventory holds steady

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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas home sales and prices continued to rise in the third quarter of 2015, while monthly housing inventory held steady, according to the 2015-Q3 Texas Quarterly Housing Report released today by the Texas Association of Realtors.

“Overall, statewide numbers continue to be strong,” said Scott Kesner, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors. “Last year fell just short of being the best year ever in Texas real estate, but 2015 has shown consistent year-over-year gains in both home sales and prices. At this current pace, 2015 could very well surpass 2007 as a record year for Texas home sales.”

According to the report, Texas home sales rose 7.8 percent year-over-year to 91,704 home sales in 2015-Q3. Texas home prices saw similar gains, with median price rising 7.7 percent year-over-year to $199,900 in 2015-Q3.

Monthly housing inventory in Texas was 4.0 months in 2015-Q3 compared to 3.9 months in the same quarter last year. While housing inventory remains firmly within a seller’s market, it appears to be holding steady despite rising housing demand. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University estimates that a monthly housing inventory between 6.0 and 6.5 months is a level at which supply and demand for homes is balanced.

Jim Gaines, Ph.D., chief economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, explained, “The housing market continued to be strong in Texas during the third quarter, but high housing demand coupled with shortages in labor and lots continued to restrict new home construction, leaving inventory strained. Fortunately, more Texans are listing their homes on the market as prices have risen, possibly in expectation of rising interest rates in the future.”

Active listings statewide rose 7.6 percent year-over-year to 102,644 active listings in 2015-Q3. Texas homes also continued to spend less time on the market. In 2015-Q3, Texas homes spent an average of 51 days on the market, a decrease of six days compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

Chairman Kesner concluded, “Another strong buying season is in the record books, which is why the Texas Association of Realtors is out there advocating for infrastructure and affordability measures that support this enduring housing demand. We encourage Texans to vote ‘yes’ for both Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 on Nov. 3, both of which are critical to maintaining homeownership affordability in Texas and creating a sustainable infrastructure for our rapidly-growing state.”

About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
Data for the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is provided by the Data Relevance Project, a partnership among local REALTOR® associations and their MLSs, the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, and the Texas Association of REALTORS®. The report provides quarterly real estate sales data from a statewide perspective and for 25 metropolitan statistical areas in Texas. It is scheduled for release by the Texas Association of REALTORS® on the following dates each year (or the next business day): Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1. To view the 2015-Q3 report in its entirety, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With more than 100,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Danielle Urban
Pierpont Communications
512-448-4950
[email protected]  

More than $500,000 raised during national Hispanic radio event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

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MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hispanic communities across the country united in support of the annual  Promesa y Esperanza® (Promise and Hope) radio fundraising event on Oct. 8-9. Hosted by Davidson Media Group, along with other independent radio stations, the two-day event raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®,  which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151102/283053

Over 1,200 callers became Ángeles de Esperanza (Angels of Hope) by signing up to donate $20 a month. Listener donations support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Because of fundraising programs like this one, no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

“Every year I am truly moved by the Hispanic community’s passion and support for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We are thankful for their generosity during this year’s Promesa y Esperanza which generated an incredible amount of awareness and funds to help St. Jude continue its pioneering research and exceptional patient care so that we will reach the day when no child dies from cancer.”

In all, 20 radio stations in 14 markets participated nationwide. Media markets included Boston, Providence, and Springfield, Massachusetts; Norfolk, Virginia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; Birmingham, Alabama; Durham, North Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Goshen, Indiana; Odessa, Texas; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Kansas City, Kansas.

“The response from our listeners has been overwhelming in the best way possible,” said Chris McMurray, president of Davidson Media Group. “The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is something that our listeners really connect with and they appreciate that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude – so they can focus on helping their child get better.”

During the event, radio listeners heard several heartwarming stories of Hispanic families and patients who are being treated at St. Jude; patients like Sarah. In January of 2015, she had a fever that doctors thought was related to a bladder infection. When the fever persisted and she had pain on her right side by her liver, her mom took her to the doctor again. After a few studies, doctors thought it was an abscess; however, after more tests they found out it was a tumor. Sarah started chemo locally but soon arrived to St. Jude at the end of May to begin treatment. Sarah likes to paint ceramic, make arts and crafts and create jewelry.

Events like Promesa y Esperanza help St. Jude share St. Jude moments, and the cutting edge research and treatment being offered. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

The St. Jude Promesa y Esperanza® radio fundraising program began in 1997, with just three participating radio stations. Today, 18 years later, 100 radio stations in 55 markets across the country help raise more than $10 million dollars for the children of St. Jude throughout the year.

For more information about Promesa y Esperanza or to make a donation, visit promesayesperanza.org. or call (800) 998-8432. 

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on Twitter (@stjude).

Human Parasites Cause Acne, Pimples, Blackheads & Whiteheads? Yuck!

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ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Most acne, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads are caused by parasites living on the human face and body.  Getting rid of the parasites by using natural topical treatments can stop acne in 3-4 months.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151102/282841

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are mites that live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands.  Mites are found on the face, chest, back, balding scalp and other areas.  The prevalence of Demodex in humans is estimated as high as 95-100% in some populations.  Anti-mite products are available at http://vexdex.com/products.

Most people are asymptomatic, but an over-abundance of Demodex in a reactive person results in adverse dermatological conditions.  The mites have lifespans of weeks, reproduce, die and decompose inside hair follicles or sebaceous glands.  The decomposition and associated bacteria in mite feces cause acne.  Remove the mites and acne usually stops.  Many clinical acne treatments address symptoms, not the cause, which is why results can be spotty (excuse the pun!) and can leave people dealing with unpleasant drug side-effects.  The most effective solution is to eradicate the mites.

The good news is that treatment is readily available in most countries.  Vex Dex is a company that creates anti-mite products and ships internationally.  The treatments use naturally occurring ingredients.  Treatment involves a regimen of (1) significantly reducing the mite population, then (2) maintaining a low population.  Step (1) takes 3-4 months.  Treatments kill mites, but not their eggs.  Therefore, treatment must be sustained long enough to allow eggs to hatch and generations of mites to be eradicated as reproduction ceases.

Simple topical products that most people are accustomed to, but with anti-mite ingredients added, can effectively treat an infestation.  A morning wash, daytime cream, evening wash-off mask and nighttime cream, supplemented with Tea Tree Oil, work well.  There’s little change to the daily routine – only change to the selection of products used for that familiar routine.

The mites can live in towels, bedsheets and clothing.  Vex Dex tells how to treat those and avoid re-infection.

Tell people you care about.  Skin can be restored to its rightful, beautiful state at any age.  Be beautiful.  Let it show.

About Vex Dex: Founded by a 30-plus-years acne sufferer, who saw blackheads disappear within 1 month and breakouts cease within 4 months, the company is passionate about making acne relief available to all.  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.vexdex.com

The Home Depot to Host Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call on November 17

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ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, announced today that it will hold its Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, November 17, at 9 a.m. ET.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030502/HOMEDEPOTLOGO

A webcast will be available by logging onto http://earnings.homedepot.com and selecting the Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call icon. The webcast will be archived and available beginning at approximately noon on November 17.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,272 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2014, The Home Depot had sales of $83.2 billion and earnings of $6.3 billion. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Reflect On Your Feet Today To Save A Limb Tomorrow

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BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The American Podiatric Medical Association announced today its new Reflect on Your Feet campaign, which will educate the public about the specific risks and foot complications faced by people with diabetes.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151030/282449-INFO

Diabetes can cause nerve damage called neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the feet. This condition means people with diabetes may injure their feet and not know it. These injuries can become infected and lead to amputation.

“Every 20 seconds, somewhere in the world a limb is lost as a result of diabetes,” said APMA President Phillip E. Ward, DPM. “A daily foot self-exam, along with regular visits to a podiatrist, is the best way to prevent foot complications and amputation. If you have trouble reaching your feet to inspect them, prop up a mirror on the floor or ask a friend or family member to help.”

Podiatrists are physicians who are specially trained to treat foot conditions that can be caused by diabetes, such as neuropathy, infection, and ulcers. Studies have proven that podiatric medical care can reduce amputation rates by 45 to 85 percent.

The Reflect on Your Feet campaign, occurring during November’s Diabetes Awareness Month, will share important information about the specific risks associated with the disease, how to conduct a foot self-exam, when to see a podiatrist, and more. To learn more about the campaign, and to find a podiatrist in your area, visit www.apma.org/diabetes.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation’s leading professional organization for today’s podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,500 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

Contact:
Nora Younes
[email protected]
(301) 581-9221

The National Society of Hispanic MBAs and PepsiCo Announce Team Bubbly Solutions as winner of the Case Competition at the 2015 NSHMBA Conference & Career Expo

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IRVING, Texas, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Congratulations to Team Bubbly Solutions, winners of the Case Competition sponsored by PepsiCo at the 2015 National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) Conference & Career Expo.

Never before has four teams been invited to present their business case solving a challenge at hand. The winning team, Bubbly Solutions, was selected after presenting their case in front of a panel of experienced PepsiCo executives on Thursday morning, October 8, 2015.

“Bubbly Solutions team members Galen Labotka, Kyle Jansen, and Taimour Khan from the University of South Carolina made their presentation seem effortless as well as memorable,” said Lissette Zavala, NSHMBA University Coordinator.”

Selecting the winning team based on their analysis of the case, recommendation of solution and professional presentation were Senior Director of Global R&D Richard Velazquez, SVP of Talent Acquisition Sheila Stygar, and Director of Global R&D Fabrice Deroubaix, all from PepsiCo.

“This is our third year sponsoring the NSHMBA Business Case Competition and we’ve been impressed with the ever increasing quality of the student entries. It was difficult to choose one winner from all of these great candidates,” said Velazquez. “We’d like to congratulate all of the finalists and on behalf of PepsiCo, I look forward to sponsoring this competition again next year.”

NSHMBA partners with PepsiCo in offering the Case Competition to give four high-powered MBA student teams an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities in a formal competition.

“It was great to see all the teams present their case as their extensive research and knowledge on the topic impressed all the judges,” said Zavala. “Thank you to PepsiCo and to all the students for being a part of the 2015 NSHMBA Case Competition.”

Connect with NSHMBA National on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the NSHMBA Conference & Career Expo
The NSHMBA Conference and Career Expo is a 3-day event created to fortify connections within the Hispanic community, through a variety of recruiting opportunities with thousands of recruiters and hiring managers from Fortune 500 companies. This year NSHMBA is excited about partnerships with Nationwide, the Lincoln Motor Company, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) and GMAC. MBA students, graduates and professionals will be able to explore top-choice job opportunities and can even get hired on the spot. Attendees will also be able to benefit from professional development, on-site career management services, and many networking events.

About the National Society of Hispanic MBAs
NSHMBA formed in 1988, as a non-profit organization aiming to empower Hispanics to achieve their fullest educational, social, and earning potential. NSHMBA serves the Hispanic community and its constituents through a national network of 40 chapters and hundreds of community partners across the United States and Puerto Rico covering 100 percent of the Hispanic community. NSHMBA is dedicated to building and advancing Hispanic leadership, advocating the pursuit of higher education and providing its members with world-class professional development and career management programs. For more information on NSHMBA, visit www.nshmba.org.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

Cal/OSHA Wins Unprecedented Decision in Case Protecting Workers from Indoor Heat

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SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (Appeals Board) has ruled in favor of Cal/OSHA’s 2012 citations against two employers because their Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP) failed to effectively address the hazard of indoor heat. 

“This is the first case of indoor heat considered by the Appeals Board. In this case, the ruling affirms that California’s IIPP standard can be used to address hazards that the standard does not specifically identify, including indoor heat,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Cal/OSHA, officially known as the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, is a division of DIR.

The IIPP is a basic written program that every employer must develop to comply with occupational safety and health standards and effectively train employees in recognizing hazards.

“California is the only state with an outdoor Heat Illness Prevention standard,” said Juliann Sum, Chief of Cal/OSHA. “Now all workers, including those who work indoors like warehouse workers, are protected from the hazard of heat.”

The case stemmed from the January 2012 serious citations Cal/OSHA issued to Tri-State Staffing (TSI), a temporary staffing agency, and warehouse operator National Distribution Center (NDC) for the heat illness suffered by an employee in August 2011. A serious violation is cited when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious harm could result from the actual hazardous condition.

On August 30, 2011, Domingo Blancas, a TSI employee hired to work in an NDC-operated warehouse, suffered heat illness while working inside a metal freight container with a temperature over 100 degrees. He reported his illness to his temp agency supervisor, who arranged for him to be transported to a local clinic by another employee who had also reported heat illness that day. The doctor at the clinic questioned if Blancas might be suffering from dehydration and referred him to the Emergency Room, but Blancas did not go to the ER and the next day he was hospitalized for three days due to heat stroke.

Both TSI and NDC were penalized $18,000 for failing to implement an effective IIPP. Both companies appealed the citations to an administrative law judge (ALJ). In March 2015. the ALJ issued its decision in favor of TSI and NDC, dismissing their citations. Cal/OSHA appealed that decision to the Appeals Board, stating the ALJ should have affirmed the citations because the employers had failed to effectively correct the hazard of indoor heat exposure, and had not trained employees on the hazard of indoor heat exposure and heat illness. The three-panel board agreed with Cal/OSHA and overturned the ALJ’s decision.

The decision also reinforces the fact that all employers have a responsibility for ensuring compliance with all Cal/OSHA standards, not just the employer in charge of the worksite.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

The Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board is a three-member, judicial body appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate which handles appeals from private and public-sector employers regarding citations issued by Cal/OSHA for alleged violation of workplace safety and health laws and regulations. The mission of the Appeals Board is to fairly, timely and efficiently resolve appeals and to provide clear, consistent guidance to the public, thereby promoting workplace safety and health.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
https://www.youtube.com/user/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

Lewis Black THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES: THE NAKED TRUTH Tour

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Following the highly successful 2015 fall leg of his The Rant is Due: Part Deux tour, tickets for Lewis Black’s all new Fall 2015 THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES: THE NAKED TRUTH tour go on sale Friday, Nov. 6 at www.livenation.com.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151101/282641

LEWIS BLACK, GRAMMY Award-winning, stand-up comedian, is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as a stand-up comedian, actor and author. Receiving critical acclaim, he performs more than 200 nights annually, to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. He is one of a few performers to sell out multiple renowned theaters, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City Center, the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas and most recently, the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City for a sold-out Broadway run. 

His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.

LEWIS BLACK came into national prominence with his appearances on THE DAILY SHOW in 1996. Those appearances on THE DAILY SHOW led to comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2001, he won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. He has released eight comedy albums, including the 2007 GRAMMY Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second GRAMMY Award for his album Stark Raving Black and has published three bestselling books: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). 

Fall 2015 THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES: THE NAKED TRUTH Tour Itinerary

DATE

CITY

VENUE

Saturday, January 09, 2016

Baton Rouge, LA

Rivercenter Theatre

Friday, January 15, 2016

Durham, NC

Durham PAC

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Charlotte, NC

Belk Theatre

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Skokie, IL

North Shore PAC*

Friday, January 29, 2016

Columbus, OH

Palace Theatre

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Akron, OH

Akron Civic Theatre

Friday, February 26, 2016

Portland, OR

Schnitz PAC

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Seattle, WA

Paramount Theatre

Thursday, March 03, 2016

San Diego, CA

Balboa Theatre

Friday, March 04, 2016

Temecula, CA

Pechanga Casino

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Denver, CO

Bellco Theatre

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Ft. Collins, CO

Lincoln Theatre

Thursday, March 31, 2016

San Antonio, TX

Majestic Theatre

Friday, April 01, 2016

Austin, TX

Paramount Theatre

Saturday, April 02, 2016

Houston, TX

Bayou Theatre

Friday, April 08, 2016

Miami, FL

Fillmore Jackie Gleason

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Melbourne, FL

King Center

Friday, April 15, 2016

Albany, NY

Palace Theatre

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Worcester, MA

Hanover Theatre

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Syracuse, NY

Crouse-Hinds Theater

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Washington, DC

Warner Theatre

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Richmond, VA

Carpenter Theatre

Friday, May 13, 2016

Milwaukee, WI

Pabst Theatre

Friday, May 20, 2016

Kalamazoo, MI

State Theatre

*Already On Sale

For more information visit: lewisblack.com, facebook.com/lewis-black or tweet @TheLewisBlack

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

San Antonio River Barge Design Competition Launches Today

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SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — San Antonio’s upcoming 300th anniversary in 2018 has inspired the City of San Antonio to re-imagine the ‘river barge’ experience as a quality transportation option with a newly designed, more sustainable and modular fleet using innovative technology to meet the needs of both tourists and residents.

The City is partnering with The American Institute of Architects, San Antonio Chapter (AIA San Antonio) to implement an international design competition to create redesigned river barges to be used on the San Antonio River. The competition opens Friday, Oct. 30 to local, national and international teams for innovative designs representative of a world-class city such as San Antonio.

“The San Antonio River is an iconic community feature,” said Nicole Marrone, AIA San Antonio President. “Our chapter is honored to partner with the City of San Antonio on this project to transform the River Walk experience. Local architects applaud the City’s commitment to make the river barge a more sustainable, passenger-friendly experience for tourists and locals alike.”

The design competition will be determined in two phases by a nine-member jury. The first phase of the competition is an open call for teams to submit a narrative explaining their design concept along with detailed renderings. The jury will shortlist three finalists who meet the design competition requirements of designing an electric fleet that is both economically feasible and can be built.

The three finalists will move on to phase II and receive a $7,500 stipend to allow for design development to include a 3-D physical model, renderings, technical specifications, cost estimate, branding and material samples. The teams will also receive a $2,500 travel stipend to present their concept to the jury in San Antonio and participate in an open house for the community to view the designs. The top three teams will each receive a cash prize.

“The current river barge design dates back to 1995 and is reflective of where we have been,” said District 1 City Councilman Roberto C. Trevino. “This design competition will ensure the winning design is reflective of a culturally rich and progressive city.”

Upon selection of the winning design, the City will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for manufacturing of the barges, purchase the fleet and lease to an operator. The City will issue a second RFP for operation and programming of the barge fleet.

“This innovative approach will relieve the financial burden of a potential operator having to secure the upfront capital to purchase the barge fleet,” said Mayor Ivy R. Taylor. “Not only will we be able to offer an outstanding transportation option, we will encourage more competition through the RFP process.”

The competition winner will be selected in February 2016 and both RFPs for manufacturing and operation of the fleet will be issued in March 2016. The design competition is sponsored by the San Antonio River Authority and the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Registration for the competition is available at aiasanantonio-riverbarge.org.

One San Antonio

Diverse, internationally connected and globally competitive, San Antonio has a vibrant culture and economy and is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States. America’s seventh-largest city offers opportunities in industries ranging from bioscience, financial services, aerospace, cybersecurity, energy and transportation manufacturing to healthcare. We are “Military City USA,” home to crucial military commands supported by a patriotic citizenry. We welcome 31 million visitors annually who inject $13.4 billion annually into our economy, and UNESCO recently designated the city’s Spanish colonial missions as a World Heritage Site. Celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2018, San Antonio is a city with a storied past and an even brighter future. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov.

PDF – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/282535-River-Barge-Design-Competition-Summary.pdf

(Español) L’Oréal Paris rinde homenaje a las 10 galardonadas del premio Women of Worth por marcar la diferencia en sus comunidades

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

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